Malachi 3:3 A Contextual Understanding

Malachi 3:3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.

Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts. But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness. Malachi 3:1-3

Questions for Verse One: Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts. 1. WHO is speaking? 2. WHEN does this apply? 3. WHO is the messenger of the Covenant? 4. WHAT shall be prepared?

Questions for Verse Two But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: 1. WHEN is the day of his coming? 2. HOW has Christ been appearing? 3. WHO shall stand the test at the time of his appearing? And 4. WHY is Christ analogized here like a refiner s fire or like fuller s soap?

Questions for Verse Three And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness. 1. WHAT connection is there to the sons of Levi with the PURIFYING process? 2. What significance is there to the precious metals of gold and silver in this purging process? 3. What does it mean that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness?

WHO is speaking? Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts. Strongs H3068 Jehovah Jehovah God is speaking!

WHEN does this apply?

WHEN does this apply? In ONE SENSE From the First Advent throughout the whole Gospel Age! R4708

WHEN does this apply? In a WIDER SENSE From the First Advent throughout the whole Gospel Age AND Millennial Ages.

WHEN is the day of his coming? First Advent Glorious Revelation From the First Advent throughout the whole Gospel Age! R4708

WHO is the Messenger of the Covenant? Is it Jesus? Or is it Jesus and his Church, or Body members?

WHO is the Messenger of the Covenant? PRIMARILY it s Christ Jesus Heb. 3:1 Lev. 16:11 But in a SECONDARY sense it also includes Christ s Body members. Heb. 2:11, I Cor. 12:12

HOW has (or will) Christ been appearing? In TWO capacities: (in two different conditions) 1. First, as the suffering one Christ the High Priest, and also His Body members during the Gospel Age. 2. Secondly, as the glorified one, the King, the restorer. THE Christ in their glorious reign. GOSPEL AGE The Suffering One, the Sacrificing One MESSIANIC AGE The Glorified One, the Restorer

HOW has Christ been appearing? Gospel Age THE SUFFERING ONE Messianic Age THE GLORIFIED ONE If we suffer, we shall also reign with him 2 Tim. 2:12

WHAT shall be prepared? The LARGER Picture! First, THE Christ Head and Body (the 144,000) a composite Mediator. Secondly, the human race will be raised up to actual human perfection during the Millennium prepared for final inspection by Jehovah at the Little Season. All earthly arrangements and affairs will be set in order and made right by his Messenger by the end of the Millennium ready for God s approval and to enter into the Ages to Come.

WHAT (or who) shall be prepared? Ephesians 1:10 I Cor. 15:24-28

the way Strongs H1870: deh - rek, figuratively- a course of life or mode of action Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts. Malachi 3:3 The messenger of the covenant will prepare the way PART of which includes the whole world of mankind in changing their course of life.

Big Picture in a Nutshell Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: 1 Prepare a Mediator 2 Perfect Humanity 3 Make things ready for God s Inspection

Who shall stand the test at the time of his appearing? But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: Malachi 3:2

Who shall stand the test at the time of his appearing? Did the Jewish nation stand the test, the proving at Jesus first advent? Very few passed the inspection and received the chief blessing. Matthew 3:12 What about the Nominal Christian Church? What about the New Creation? Who will stand the test? James 1:12

What might some of the test(s) comprise? Do we love God with ALL of our heart, ALL of our strength, ALL of our minds our total being? Do we love righteousness and hate iniquity? Are we SELF willed, or are we seeking GOD s will in all of the affairs of our lives? Can we WAIT for God? Are we full of pride, or are we humble-minded? Are we selfishishly ambitious? Self-seeking? Do we love our fellow man? Not the sin, but them. Are we doing our personal best to follow God s Word and give God our choicest gifts of time, energy, etc.?

How is Christ like a refiner s fire?

How is Christ like a fullers soap?

FULLERS SOAP? Most of us are familiar with the imagery of a refiner s fire, but What is the meaning of fullers soap? And What does this have to do with standing a test of some kind?

Did you know A FULLER was a cleaner of garments in olden times especially in whitening them. The process of fulling or cleansing consisted of stamping or treading on the garments with feet or bats in tubs of water. An alkaline substance had been dissolved (possibly from the ashes of some plants) in the tub. This was their soap. Natron was also part of this process.

The Refiner s Fire A crucible purifies the gold and separates the dross. Recall that everything inside the Tabernacle was made of gold.

What connection is there to the Sons of Levi with the purifying process?

Christ Jesus sits as a refiner and purifier of the antitypical sons of Levi class during the Gospel Age Sons of Levi are the household of faith in the antitypical sense. Those who fully present themselves in consecration offer up a sacrifice unto the Lord. Romans 12:1 Those who present themselves will be the Priests and the Great Messiah, Jesus, the High Priest.

Christ has been raising up this Mediator for parts of three 1000 year days. Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. John 2:19 5 th 1000 yr. Day 6 th 1000 yr. Day 7 th 1000 yr. Day Calvary GOSPEL AGE for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. I Cor. 3:17 Christ has been purifying this class with the Truth and its sanctifying effect. He s been purging this class with difficult trials of faith testing the metal of their convictions.

1Peter 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

Again, which of these tests will a fiery trial be used to purify or purge away our dross? Do we love and trust God with ALL of our heart, ALL of our strength, ALL of our minds our total being? Do we love righteousness and hate iniquity? Are we SELF willed, or are we seeking GOD s will in all of the affairs of our lives? Can we WAIT on God? Are we full of pride, or are we humble-minded? Are we selfishly ambitious? Self-seeking, self-reliant? Do we love our fellow man? Not the sin, but them. Are we doing our personal best to follow God s Word and give God our choicest gifts of time, energy, etc.?

How much effort will we make? Which class do we want to be a part of the Gold or the Silver? Job 23:10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

What was the Laodicean Stage of the Church counciled to buy in Rev. 3:18? Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed.

What was the Laodicean Stage of the Church counciled to buy in Rev. 3:18? The Divine Nature R 1944 Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed. FULL submission to your covenant of sacrifice unreserved submission to the Lord s choice of disciplining you (trials) for your perfecting in holiness. A consecration full of zealous service and devotion to the Lord, the Truth, and the Brethren. A life of presenting yourself to God - a living sacrifice. You buy gold by this kind of a consecration.

Keep Before Your Mind These Words! Heb 12:5 NASB and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, "MY SON, DO NOT REGARD LIGHTLY THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD, NOR FAINT WHEN YOU ARE REPROVED BY HIM; Heb 12:6 FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES, AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES."

Trials can produce peaceable fruits of righteousness Heb 12:11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. or To those who have been trained by it. Diaglott

Let us give a new definition to our trials a spirit-minded perception! James 1:1-4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Patience -- Greek, hupomonee, constancy; endurance of evil in a cheerful, willing, patient manner; endurance with contentment, without rebellion of will. Fiery Trials Exercise of Faith Product of Patience Meek, uncomplaining endurance of suffering with humble resignation and perseverance; a trait which indicates strength and self-discipline.

A lesson on perception in Luke 11:9-13 Luke 11:9-10 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

A lesson on perception in Luke 11:9-13 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Luke 11:11

A lesson on perception in Luke 11:9-13 Luke 11:12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?

A lesson on perception in Luke 11:9-13 Luke 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

Same Trial from Two Perspectives Difficulty Level of Trial Relatively Light Trial Moderately Difficult Trial Fiery (Very Hard) Trial Little Flock s Perception Bread Fish (eel) Egg Great Company s Perception Stone Serpent Scorpion What level of difficulty are we willing to receive or ask of the Father to receive the holy spirit? And how will we perceive our trials when we do receive them?

R 1943 A reprint article that is so beautiful it will bring tears to your eyes. Isa 1:25 And I will turn my hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin (alloy)

The Goal of White Raiment Our Fuller, Christ Jesus, is helping us as our Advocate with the Father, to sanctify us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We must keep our robes unspotted from the world and seek first the kingdom of God. The cleansing agent of his justifying merit keeps our robes white before the Father as we continually feed upon the grace and prayer privileges that we have been given. If faithful, we will be given special fine, white linen. Jude 20-25 I Jn. 1:9 Rev. 19:7,8

Varieties of Trials Physical Trials Emotional Trials Trials with the Brethren Trials of Discouragement Marital Trials Trials with your Children Trials with your Flesh Financial Trials Trials at Work Trials of Persecution Doctrinal Trials Trials of Earthly Loves Trials of Correction Trials of Loyalty

Purpose of our Trials 1. To stretch our FAITH I Peter 1:7 2. To increase our dependency on the Lord 2 Cor. 7:9 3. To correct us for making poor choices Heb. 12:5,9 4. To increase our sensitivity for mankind Heb. 5:1-2 5. To develop HOLINESS in our lives I Peter 1:15-16 6. To PROVE our love of righteousness Heb. 1:9 7. To demonstrate our OBEDIENCE to God Heb. 5:8 8. To wean us away from earthly loves I John 2:15 9. To strengthen our brethren and give them an example 10. To GLORIFY GOD in some experience we are having 11. To REMOVE ALL THE DROSS of the flesh and make us GOLD

How to be Victorious in Trials 1. Increase your prayer life and appeal to God in the prescribed manner. 2. Get a good spiritual education from which to base your choices. 3. Change your perspective about your trials. 4. Learn to be thankful for your trials. 5. Memorize His promises that will sustain you through your trials. 6. Seek respected sources when in doubt to get a second opinion. 7. Keep your Shield of Faith up!

What significance is there to the precious metals of gold and silver in this purging process? Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones (Divine truth) Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. The Silver Class I Cor. 3:13-15 The GOLD Class

The King s Daughter in Gold Attire A Picture of The Little Flock The King s Daughter is the gold class the Little Flock The virgins her companions are the silver class, the Great Company Psa 45:13-14 The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold. She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee.

What is an offering of righteousness? Mal 3:3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.

It is the present offering of the Church Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

The Lord s Goat The TRUE Church was pictured by the Lord s goat in Lev. 16. This would picture the same as the GOLD class. This was primarily the offering in righteousness, based upon the bullock s sacrifice. R 3867 an offering in the interests of righteousness or justice, in the sense that the sin offerings of Israel, the Day of Atonement, were offerings in righteousness or to effect righteousness to effect cancellation of sin.

Jesus offers up his Church as part of the antitypical Atonement Day Sacrifices Heb 8:1-3 Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such a high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.

Gold Tried in the Fire R1944 How can it be tried without the crucible and the flame? How otherwise can the dross be eliminated? There is no other way. "Wherefore, think it not strange:" let the fire burn; let the dross be consumed; and see to it, beloved, that in the heat of the flame you remove not the "living sacrifice" from the altar. Remember that the eye of the great Refiner is upon you; and as the refiner of gold watches the metal in the crucible to see his image reflected in it, so the Lord, the great Refiner, has his eye upon you. He is watching to see how the precious metal of your character reflects his image.

Gold Tried in the Fire Or, in plain language, in every trial he watches to see what influences control our actions, whether they be influences of present advantage, or worldly policy, or personal friendship, or earthly loves--of husband, or wife, or children, or houses, or lands, or whether they be honor among men, or love of ease, or love of peace at any cost; or whether, on the other hand, we are controlled by the naked principles of truth and righteousness; and whether we will defend these principles with zeal and energy at any cost of labor or suffering, or both, and so fight the good fight of faith to the bitter end--even unto death.

Our sacrifice is a sacrifice even unto death Rev 2:10 be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.